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Fender controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2020

    Fender Europe fined for preventing online guitar discounts

    Fine or penalty

    The UK's Competition and Markets Authority fined Fender Europe £4.5 million for breaking competition law by preventing online retailers from discounting its guitars. Fender admitted to the illegal practice.

    Company response

    • Remediation — Fender

      Fender said it cooperated with the CMA and has made changes to its practices.

    Source excerpt

    • Fender admitted to the illegal practice, leading to a reduced fine under the CMA's 'leniency' and 'settlement' procedures.
    • The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has fined Fender Europe £4.5 million for breaking competition law by preventing online retailers from discounting its guitars.
    • Between 2013 and 2018, the company, founded around 70 years ago in southern California by Leo Fender, required its guitars be sold at or above a minimum price in Britain, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said on Wednesday.
    Source

  2. 2020

    Fender Europe fined for restricting online discounts

    Fine or penalty

    The UK Competition and Markets Authority fined Fender Europe £4.5 million for requiring sellers to set minimum online prices for Fender products, which the regulator said broke competition rules. Fender said it cooperated with the investigation and changed its practices.

    Company response

    • Remediation — Fender

    • Remediation — Fender Europe

      A Fender Europe spokesman said: "As a result of the investigation, we have taken additional steps to enhance our compliance procedures and our new EMEA executive team will continue to rigorously monitor the business' adherence to antitrust and competition laws."

    Source excerpt

    • A Fender Europe spokesman said: "As a result of the investigation, we have taken additional steps to enhance our compliance procedures and our new EMEA executive team will continue to rigorously monitor the business' adherence to antitrust and competition laws."
    • Guitar maker Fender has been fined £4.5m for illegally preventing online discounts on its products in the UK.
    Source